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How to Make Cannabutter: Easy Cannabis Butter Recipe

December 18, 2019/in Blog/by Bertha Garrett

Cannabutter sounds like a cleverly branded product you can buy in a Torrance Dispensary. The truth is that it is just the cannabis you will be buying from the dispensary, as cannabutter is something you can make at home. In this recipe, we’re looking at how to make cannabutter. A lot of people will be looking at different cannabutter recipes and wondering what is best for them, as well as how to dose their cannabutter and what it can go in.

Cannabutter isn’t just to go on your toast, it can be the central ingredient of a variety of different edibles recipes. You can bake sweet treats (i.e. a chocolate cake!) or prepare savory meals with cannabutter as a base.

The good news is that making cannabutter isn’t hugely difficult, and anyone can do it. There are a few steps you will need to follow to make sure you don’t get things wrong, though! Cannabutter can easily be done wrong and if you don’t get it right it can lose the cannabis potency and lose the high. This can be an incredible waste and mean that your cannabis butter doesn’t have the effect you are hoping for.

Cannabutter Ingredients

1 cup of butter
8-10 grams of ground cannabis

And that’s it! There’s not a lot to it. It’s more about the process involved. People may assume from looking at those ingredients that the two are just mixed together, but this is not the case. The way the butter and cannabis are blended together is cleverer than just mixing.

It is also worth saying that if you want to, you can alter the amount of cannabis in the recipe in order to create a better recipe for your own needs. It may be that you have built up a tolerance or if you are new to cannabis you may want to make changes to the amount of ground marijuana within the recipe.

How to Make Cannabis-Infused Butter

The marijuana needs to be decarboxylated. This sounds like a difficult chemical process, but it really isn’t. This is sometimes also called simply “decarbing”. This keeps the cannabis potent and stops it from going inactive or becoming weaker in its potency during the process of heating and making cannabutter. A cannabutter recipe may advise you to do this as part of the process of warming the butter but we do not recommend this.

Firstly, heat the oven to around 250 degrees F. Place the buds on an oven tray that has been covered with parchment paper. Around half an hour is usually enough for preserving the psychoactive effects. Make sure you move it around to ensure even heating throughout.
Grind. This will then be decarboxylated cannabis! You can then use this in your recipes, but first, it needs to be ground. Do this in the normal way you use to grind your weed.
Melt the cup of butter with some water (50:50 ratio is fine). This keeps the temperature stable and improves the quality of the butter when all is finished. Simmer it, there’s no rush and it’s better to prevent scorching.
Simmer for a long time! 1.5 to 3 hours on a low heat of under 200 degrees F. Make sure you stir it once in a while, but this doesn’t have to be every five minutes or anything!
Strain. Otherwise, it isn’t going to be smooth. This can be done with a cheesecloth. Pour the mixture through and it should strain out the leftover buds and rough ground cannabis. It’s now ready for you to put in the fridge, and the THC or CBD from the cannabutter recipe will be infused.

As you can see, learning how to make cannabutter is simple enough!

Tips for Dosing Cannabutter

It’s important to get the dose right, you don’t want to get the highest you’ve ever been! Always keep on the side of caution here, rather than throwing loads in.

Once the butter has been prepared, you can test its effects by spreading some on bread or onto a cracker. See what ½ a teaspoon does over the course of an hour to check how potent the butter you have made really is.

How to Cook with Cannabutter?

Knowing how to make cannabutter is great, but you need to know how to use it too! It can act as a substitute for butter in loads of recipes such as sauces or even baking. It can be as simple as putting cannabutter in some icing for a cake! Edibles can be a fantastic way to enjoy your cannabis whether you are new to taking marijuana, whether you’re a medicinal or recreational user.

It’s time to get creative with your cannabutter.

CBD VS THC: What Is the Difference Between THC and CBD?

December 8, 2019/in Blog/by Bertha Garrett

With the popularity of cannabis products today, consumers want to be savvy about their choices. Additionally, consumers need to find out everything they can about the differences between THC and CBD by understanding cannabidiol (CBD) products completely.

If you think cannabinoids may benefit you, but you’re not sure as to the interactions with prescription meds or want to know more about cannabis law in California, read on. It’s ultimately your responsibility to research everything you can about the CBD product that you choose from a Torrance Dispensary.

What are Cannabinoids?

With cannabidiol (CBD) being one of the trendiest products in pet and human health today, understanding CBD’s potential benefits before choosing from the vast array of CBD products means understanding cannabinoids and the differences between THC and CBD.

“Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the naturally occurring cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. It is a 21-carbon terpenophenolic compound which is formed following decarboxylation from a cannabidiolic acid precursor, although it can also be produced synthetically,” via WHO.

Cannabidiol is derived from both the hemp and cannabis plant, and does not have psychoactive properties if it has no delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the compound that results in the “high” effect, and it can be ingested via cannabis infused edibles as a psychoactive snack or inhaled.

How CBD and THC Affect the Body?

It’s interesting to note the different effects of both THC vs CBD products. Both of these interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system yielding totally different effects. With THC being the main psychoactive component that may result in relaxation, sleep, fatigue, hunger, and reduced aggression. It’s important to understand that THC via marijuana-infused edibles is more potent than cannabis that is smoked or vaporized. Today, THC is available in tinctures, oils, capsules, transdermal patches, and more. As an ingestible edible, THC is converted to 11-hydroxy –THC by the liver.
CBD is the most important cannabinoid in the cannabis plant, and has numerous medical benefits, yet will not interfere with cognitive abilities since it contains no THC. It has no binding affinity with CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Why Does THC Get You High While CBD Doesn’t?

\THC is processed differently than CBD by the body because 11-hydroxy-THC crosses the blood-brain barrier yielding a powerful “high”. Inhaled THC does not pass through the stomach and liver like edibles, but goes directly to the brain, thus the speedier effects of vaporized cannabis. That said, the effect does not last as long.
CBD, on the other hand, is not psychoactive, although it has the same molecular structure as THC. Both THC and CBD interact with cannabinoid receptors, resulting in the release of neurotransmitters from the brain.
Additionally, THC will bind with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain and body resulting in the “high”. CBD binds mildly with CB1 receptors and may lessen the “high” effect that THC will have on the body. Consult with your medical marijuana dispensary for the THC vs CBD tips.

How Do They Work Together?

CBD and THC have similar medical benefits. That said, although CBD is generally well-tolerated with minimal to no side effects, there may be side effects with drug-to-drug interactions. Low blood pressure patients also need to take heed since CBD may lower blood pressure. THC may have the following side effects:

Coordination problems
Dry mouth
Red eyes
Palpitations or increased heart rate
Memory loss
Euphoric “high”
Slower reaction time
Reduced nausea
Reduced pain
Altered sense of time

With CBD not having more than 0.3 % THC, the takeaway is that with all CBD products, consumers need to note the THC concentration amount. So for THC not to be psychoactive, you’ll have to purchase CBD with less than 0.3% THC. Understanding that THC and CBD don’t have to be mutually exclusive, and are actually beneficial when combined is important for consumers to understand. When combined they can be used for the following treatments:

Anxiety
Cancer
Chronic pain

As usual, consult with your physician for the best advice when discussing the differences between THC between CBD products.

Usage (Medical and Recreational)

CBD and other cannabinoids offer numerous health benefits that have been backed up with new research. Marijuana will have a relatively high THC amount of between 15-30%, and can be used for either medical or recreational purposes today. This will depend on the state that you live in, and what the laws are for recreational and medical marijuana use. Medical marijuana has all the compounds including THC, whereas CBD will not have THC, yet will offer numerous health benefits as well.
Cannabis strains that are used to make recreational and medical marijuana will contain low amounts of cannabidiol. That said, consult with a CBD expert for advice on the differences between THC vs CBD products.
Hemp products may have a super low amount of THC (less than 0.03 %), and may show up as positive in a drug test. Additionally, CBD will not show up as positive in a drug test. Finally, consider only the best CBD products that offer lab test results, meet label claims, and that have been tested for any contaminants like glysophate, heavy metals, other herbicides and pesticides.

5 Ways to Use Cannabis

November 19, 2019/in Blog/by Bertha Garrett

The legalization of cannabis is one of the most heated topics nowadays. And even though many states have legalized both the recreational and medical use of marijuana, the federal government is still unwilling to bend. Nevertheless, despite all these, people are becoming more inclined to consume it.

The rising popularity of marijuana consumption can be attributed to its beneficial effects. It is known as a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-seizure, and antidepressant. Recent studies even reveal the effectiveness of marijuana to lessen the symptoms of insomnia and it even aids in weight loss. Topical use of the plant, specifically cannabis balm, is also gaining global traction as it’s shown to relieve soreness, inflammation, skin problems, and muscle pains.

If you are new to marijuana consumption, it’s normal to feel confused when you first enter a cannabis dispensary and see the variety of consumption options. Researching will help a lot, and you should properly dose. There were numerous tales of overdoing and overdosing, and that may not be the best way to start your marijuana journey.

To get the full benefits of cannabis or have the best experience, you should wisely choose your consumption method. Smoking is not the only way to consume marijuana, methods such as vaping and eating edibles are other alternatives that you can try. When considering your consuming method, pick your personal preference if it’s for recreational or medical use, assess your level of tolerance too.

Another important thing to remember is that marijuana has different strains with effects that may differ from person to person. Thus, aside from the consumption method, marijuana strains will have varying onset times and effectiveness.

Furthermore, as a newbie, it’s good to understand the differences between Sativa and Indica strains. In general, the former produces an energizing and cerebral high, while the latter has more of a sedative and calming effect.

And now, without further ado, the following are the most common marijuana consumption method.

Smoking

The most popular method of marijuana consumption is smoking. People who smoke marijuana prefer it primarily because they notice an immediate effect as the smoke, which contains marijuana components enters the body. The result—feeling high immediately, however, can wane around 2-3 hours after consumption.

This method is usually done by rolling marijuana into joints and then smoking it. Marijuana can also be smoked using a pipe or a bong.

However, if you are using marijuana to medicate or you want to do it discreetly, then this method may not work for you. Smoking is not good for you especially if you have an underlying condition—as it may aggravate your symptoms and especially if you have the common colds and flu. Although no studies have linked smoking cannabis with lung cancer, long-term use may increase your risk of chronic bronchitis.

If you want to use it or medicate discreetly, you may opt to consume edibles, patches, and tinctures.

Vaping

Another popular consumption method is vaping. And just like smoking, the effects of vaping can also kick in instantly—but wears off faster.

Vaping is a healthier alternative to smoking cannabis as vaporizers don’t produce smoke. Vaporizers heat cannabis to a point below combustion. The active ingredient of marijuana can then be inhaled as a vapor. Thus, cannabis vapor won’t irritate the lungs compared to smoking where toxic compounds can cause undesirable health issues.

Common vaporizer types are pens, hand-held versions, and desktop versions.

Dabbing

Dabbing is not smoking, but it is similar to vaping.

Dabbing uses THC resins extracted from the marijuana plant. It has three types of concentrated forms: oil (hash oil or honey oil form), soft solid (wax or budder form), and harsh solid (shatter form).

Dabbing usually uses a glass pipe, a bong, and other gadgets such as a blow torch and rig. When the THC resin extract is placed into the pipe or bong, it instantly creates vapor. Thus, dabbing creates an immediate and more potent high compared to smoking and vaping.

Since cannabis concentrate is more potent, dabbing is not recommended for newbies or those with low THC tolerance. Another drawback of dabbing is that users may be exposed to high levels of benzene, methacrolein, and other toxic substances.

Eating

Edibles are also becoming a common method of consuming marijuana. Eating edibles are not only convenient, but it also creates a long-lasting effect (and even practical to some as it also soothes hunger). There are many marijuana-infused edibles available in the market nowadays like cakes, cookies, candies, and pastries.

Oils extracted from the cannabis plant are also being used now in cooking, baking, and other products that can be ingested orally. Capsules are also a convenient, yet potent way to consume marijuana.

Drinking

Last, but definitely not least, is consuming marijuana by drinking it. At present, you can now consume marijuana in tea form, coffee-infused, beer, and in tinctures.

By far, cannabis-infused tea is the healthiest way of consuming marijuana. You can get the most benefit out of the plant by steeping it and drinking freshly brewed.

Tinctures

Tinctures are also a great way to consume marijuana. Tinctures are extracts that are infused with a solution of alcohol and water. A few drops of the solution can be easily absorbed by the bloodstream. This form is highly concentrated so you can expect a more potent and fast-acting effect.

6 Interesting Cannabis Facts

November 19, 2019/in Blog/by Bertha Garrett

With the legalization of cannabis in a number of states its getting more and more available to both medical and recreational users through licenced marijuana dispensaries. Researchers attempting to examine and understand this plant have also benefited from the legalization that makes it easier to conduct their research. Despite this, marijuana is still an object of controversy and mystery for many.

Despite its aura of mysteriousness, this amazing plant has been proven to be beneficial for both its medical and recreational users. Albeit more research is needed, this controversial plant may even be a good alternative to the current cancer medications. Moreover, even though we have been digging information about cannabis for decades now, we are still surprised to find that there’s still an almost unlimited, treasure trove of astonishing facts about it.

And although some basic facts are known to many there are still a plethora of interesting facts you may not know. Moreover, due to researchers’ concerted effort and endless studies they kept unearthing fascinating facts about it.

So now, keep reading as we present to you 6 interesting facts about cannabis.

Females have a higher tolerance than males

The various cannabis strains affect people differently. However, what people don’t know is that the cannabis impact depends on the gender of an individual. A study shows that women develop higher tolerance than men.

This is because the female’s body is sensitive to THC during ovulation, and so they adjust their dosage accordingly. This study was conducted on female rats as they have the same menstrual cycle and hormone level fluctuations as female humans.

Furthermore, even at the start, a low drug dose was given and continuously so for 10 days. It still turns out that female rats developed a higher tolerance for such drugs than male rats. In essence, even the most cannabis-sensitive female can outdo the males in terms of drug tolerance.

Marijuana has been around since ancient times

Yes, you read it right. Marijuana is not a new hype. It has been around since ancient times. Historians even revealed that cannabis seeds date back thousands of years—roughly around 10,000 B.C.

So, it’s a myth to think that the 1960s hippies are the first to use it. The earliest recorded use of cannabis was in China, although they did not use it for smoking. Instead, they used hemp to produce rope and cannabis oil and its seeds as a source of food.

Shakespeare allegedly used marijuana

There was evidence gathered that Shakespeare was a marijuana lover. Forensic technology has revealed traces of cannabis in pipes found on Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon garden. Indeed, the famous playwright and poet was a fan of the cannabis plant.

And we can’t blame him, marijuana do sparks creativity. There’s an observed connection between cannabis consumption and creativity. It’s no wonder that this brilliant mind was able to write romantic sonnets and other literary pieces that are now considered masterpieces.

Burning hemp seed goes back to prehistoric humanity

The hemp plant, cannabis Sativa plant species, have been used in medicine and recreational enjoyment on ancient civilizations like China, Egypt, Rome, as well as in archaeological sites from Neolithic Europe.

The Greek historian named Herodotus notes that the Scythians strewed hemp seeds or lumps of resin on hot stones. And then they will pleasurably inhale the vapor.

Cannabis is closely related to beer

Beer and cannabis are closely related. The cannabis plant and Humulus plant are in the same genus. Humulus plants, with female flowers—named hops, are used to flavor and stabilize beers.

So yes, cannabis and beer are cousins.

Pigs in Bhutan are more stoned than you

There’s a big probability that the pigs in the Kingdom of Bhutan are more stoned than you. In Bhutan, the cannabis plant grows wild and free. You can find an abundant supply of marijuana anywhere from the wild, in the cities, and even on the sidewalks.

The truth is, marijuana is more common than grass in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Although, interestingly not many people smoke it. Instead, pigs are the main consumers here since the plant are used to feed them.

What do Meditation, Yoga, and Marijuana Have in Common?

October 8, 2019/in Blog/by Bertha Garrett

As more states are legalizing marijuana for both medical and recreational use — the combination of yoga, meditation, and cannabis use is increasingly becoming a hot topic.

More and more yogis nowadays integrate marijuana use with yoga and mindfulness meditation practice. However, is this really a new trend, and what does science say about it? Also, what do meditation, yoga, and marijuana have in common?

The fact is, historically, the combination of meditation and yoga practice with cannabis use is an old tradition. So this isn’t a new hype. Researchers proved that marijuana was used for focused meditation, a common phenomenon in ancient yoga traditions.

If you’re curious if it works and if it’s beneficial for you, then keep reading! We will take a look at each—the known benefits of meditation, yoga, and marijuana. And we’ll further discuss the possible effects of combining them, as well as their commonalities.

Meditation

The practice of meditation incorporates a set of techniques that encourages a heightened state of awareness and more focused attention. It practices conscious awareness—specifically, paying attention—in the present moment, without judging to achieve self-understanding and wisdom. Meditation practices our brain, mind, body, and even our behavior.

The immediate effects of meditation are to increase calmness and physical relaxation. It also improves the psychological balance, overall health, and well-being of the practitioner. Science supports meditation because recent research reveals that long-term meditators show positive changes in the brain, positive effects on empathy, and improved meta-cognitive skills and health.

Although no solid explanation has been provided as to why meditation produces beneficial effects, these said benefits correlate with the decreased activity in the human brain’s default mode network (aka DMN). Other research shows that meditation helps support balance and homeostasis in our bodies. Some known benefits of meditation are:

Reduces anxiety and depression
Helps with chronic pain
Reduces work, family, and emotional stress
Supports healing in cancer and chronic diseases
Reduces heart disease
Helps balance eating disturbances
Supports sleep and sleeplessness issues

Yoga

A century-old practice, yoga has gathered a huge number of followers over the years. Practitioners of yoga, also known as yogis, glide into poses to sync with their inner self while engaging their muscles and simultaneously performing breathing exercises.

Many enjoyed practicing yoga due to its myriad of positive benefits. One of the most common benefits enjoyed by yogis is that it helps in letting go of any stressful thoughts, at the same time sending the body to total relaxation. Yoga increases flexibility, tones the muscles, helps in better blood circulation, and balances the body’s metabolism and cardiovascular health, making it a very good physical workout.

Yoga is effective in de-stressing the mind and body. It assists in achieving optimum mental health, enhances social well-being, as well as promotes inner peace. The American Psychological Association even promotes yoga as a powerful tool for psychotherapy.

Today, there are various types of yoga available—all of which aim to promote physical, mental, and emotional improvement. Cannabis-infused yoga, better known as ganja yoga or high yoga, is increasingly gaining global traction.

Marijuana

The healing properties of cannabis have been profoundly studied. Thus, it’s no wonder why people are so curious about learning ways to incorporate it into their daily lives. Marijuana was first pushed to be legalized for medicinal purposes, but now, more and more states have legalized it for both medical and recreational use. To buy cannabis products you need to visit the nearest marijuana dispensary to you.

Marijuana has been found to bring relief to people with ailments such as, among others:

Chronic pain
Cancer
Crohn’s disease
Multiple Sclerosis
Anxiety
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Scientists discovered that cannabis has effects on the human endocannabinoid system. This is a system of receptors that are located throughout the body; from the brain, glands, connective tissues, muscles, and immune cells. The primary goal of the endocannabinoid system is homeostasis, meaning maintaining a stable internal environment.

When the body’s endocannabinoid system is out of balance, the body may be prone to suffer from many types of diseases. Scientists found that the natural cannabinoids found in marijuana—specifically THC and CBD cannabinoids—stimulate the cannabinoid receptors in the body, which then helps bring back balance to the system.

What’s in common?

As you noticed above — there’s a pattern, some common features of meditation, yoga, and marijuana. Now, let’s take a closer look at what they have in common.

Improves mental health

Infusing mindful meditation and yoga practice with marijuana consumption may help improve mental health. Psychotherapists and even the British Psychological Society recognizes the potential of yoga and meditation, which usually incorporates deep-breathing, as a possible solution in reducing stress, anxiety, and nervous system imbalances stemming from stress.

Combining the three can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Yoga is a physical activity, so it reduces cortisol levels. Meditation heightens awareness and focuses on the body which helps aid with anxiety and depression. While marijuana helps you relax and be more focused on sensory experience.

It helps alleviate pain

Marijuana is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits. It also balances the nervous system thus preventing tumors. On the other hand, yoga and meditation increase blood circulation and nutrient supply.

The combination of meditation, yoga and cannabis is a powerful tool in relieving pain and treating diseases caused by chronic inflammation.

Strengthens the immune system

Mindfulness meditation, yoga, and marijuana all strengthen the immune system.

Yoga and meditation, in general, reduce stress, lower blood pressure, increase metabolism, and support the immune system. These practices help practitioners achieve better posture, relieve pain, and improve sleep. The ability of yoga and meditation to reduce stress help the immune system, because too much stress can weaken the body’s defense system.

Marijuana, on the other hand, has flavonoids and cannabinoids contents. These are anti-inflammatory phytonutrients and are effective antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory. Marijuana also has omega-3 fatty acids which are excellent antioxidants.